Mum Kim said her "heart melts with pride" when she watches her son after all he has been through in the last six months.

Joshua and his family have become subject to an incredible outpouring of support on social media since Christmas which has led to thousands of strangers around the globe praying for the Ulster teenager.

In a statement his mum Kim said: "Joshua got out of hospital yesterday, two weeks after major surgery. It was amazing to have our family all under the one roof last night and we absolutely treasure our time together.

"We would like to thank everyone who has prayed, sent messages and liked our Facebook status. It meant the world to us.

"In particular we would like to thank the surgical and oncology teams at the Royal for everything they have done, in particular Mr Bailie, Dr Johnston and the amazing Children's Haematology Unit team.

"As a mum, my heart melts with pride when I watch how Joshua has come through the past six months. No teenager should ever have to face what our son has gone through, but his faith, courage, determination and even humour in the midst of all this has blown me away.

"More than anything, I am thankful that our God, the Great I Am, the God of the Angel Armies, goes before us."

She added that she would be grateful if everyone would continue to pray for Joshua's complete healing.